Top 7 Habits Of Successful Entrepreneurs

We know, by experience and observation, that business success is a coveted fruit that takes real work to reap. And so, because we want you to succeed in your endeavors, we have anthologized the top 7 habits you can adopt in your journey, as advised by some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world.

Have a vision, and take the steps to attain it

In the beginning, business ventures tend to have a flare of grandiosity. You envision our goal, and may often feel overcome by the need to reach it quickly and see your ROI multiply by the tens. Sometimes you may find yourself working ad nauseam for months, with no visible progress. Naomi Simson, founder and CEO of Red Balloon wisely said, “Goals without routines are wishes; routines without goals are aimless.” A grand vision is truly great, but in order to succeed in it, it is necessary to take the daily steps. Break your grand vision down into smaller goals, and list the steps necessary to reach them. Then commit to taking those actions and check them off the list, and after a good deal of hard (yet smart) work, you will see your vision realized.

Dare to think differently

Innovative thinking is a powerful gift, and if you have been endowed with it, you might as well march to the beat of your own drum. David Rohrsheim, general manager of Australia and New Zealand at Uber, said, “In order to become a genius, you must first risk being seen as a fool.” It takes instinct to introduce an innovative idea that challenges the norm to the market, and courage to hold your vision in the midst of adversity, and very often, shaking heads. Dare to think differently, and be open to modifying your idea while staying true to yourself.

Take care of yourself

Oprah Winfrey, ranked the richest African-American of the 20th century, advises, “To stay in steady makeover mode is to take care of yourself […] The value you give yourself is the value the world reflects back to you.” We know that when building a business there will be times where all-nighters and 100-hour weeks are unavoidable (trust us, we really know) but after the arduous season it is important to bring the balance back, and nurture ourselves in body and mind. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and give yourself daily zen time (be it through meditation, deep breathing, taking a few minutes to doodle, or whatever activity brings you a sense of relaxation) to calm down and bring your stress level down. In order to bear fruit, a tree needs to be nourished.

Stay connected

In the midst of a packed agenda, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget about those who surround us. Sir Richard Branson, the owner of the Virgin branded companies in various sectors including: a mobile company, airline, retail properties, a wine distribution company, music festivals, venture funds, a global gaming network and an enterprise health incentive program (among others,) chooses to take the time to interact with his employees and customers at a personal level. He deems their thoughts and feelings a priority, allows their needs to shape his entrepreneurial ideas, and keeps himself grounded in the human aspect of his endeavors.

Learn to listen, and listen to learn

When you take a moment to quiet your eager mind and listen to the wisdom of those who have succeeded in your field, you can learn some of the most important lessons that will propel you to success. Eddie Machaalani, Co-founder and CEO of Bigcommerce believes a good business coach can not only guide you in your journey, but also hold you accountable in doing the things that will prove beneficial to your business.

Be transparent

Honesty is a principle cherished by Martin Halpen, founder of The Fruit Box. A culture of honesty in the workplace fosters trusting relationships between management and employees, and that care trickles down to the relationship with your customers. Handling your business with rectitude both in finances and in the way you treat others allows you to have peace of mind in your everyday operations, and it reflects on your entrepreneurial outcomes.

Persevere

Successful entrepreneurship is a road paved by your efforts as you go, and often times, you will inevitably fall. Confucius said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” Learning from past blunders and losses and moving forward on to the next action with greater awareness is the gift of experience, and it is acquired step by step, day by day. In especially gloomy days, remember that Henry Ford went bankrupt three times before he reached his ultimate success. Just keep going.